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MARLA VIORST
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Marla Viorst has over ten years' experience working with clients on a range of public affairs issues, such as trade and immigration, food safety and healthcare. Her industry knowledge and strategic council has led to the creation and execution of successful programs in a number of disciplines, including message development and dissemination, ally development, reputation management, and regulatory and legislative affairs.
Before joining Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, Ms. Viorst led a global communications and public affairs effort supporting an international food and beverage company on a regulatory issue being reviewed at the WHO, EU, Health Canada and the U.S. There she developed and implemented message platforms to advocate the company's position with key decision makers, as well as cultivating and leveraging allies at the global, national and regional levels. She also oversaw global focus group testing and analysis to inform a message platform to support issue advertising, Web site and digital programming, policy briefs and executive briefing documents. Prior to this experience, Ms. Viorst worked with NASSCOM, India's largest IT trade body, to influence U.S. and key global policy makers on temporary work visa and offshore outsourcing issues.
Ms. Viorst served as press secretary for Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Calif.), a member of the House Energy & Commerce and Natural Resources Committees, where she developed messaging, statements and positions around key legislative issues, including Congresswoman Capps' landmark Nurse Reinvestment Act. Her daily responsibilities included proactive media outreach and response, op-ed and speech development, and serving as campaign spokesperson.
Prior to her work in public affairs, Ms. Viorst handled public relations for a number of clients, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, where she supported their outreach efforts with key grantees and worked with the Charity's Board of Directors.
Ms. Viorst holds BA in English Literature from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and a MA in English Literature from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.
